HANDS Tandem Skydive - 17th April 2016

Harrogate Scouts jumped at the chance to help Charity Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts (HANDS) when they took part in a successful charity skydive on Sunday 17th April.

Two previous attempts were cancelled due to unfavourable weather. HANDS District Commissioner Helen Westmancoat, and Scout Network members, Jinnie Powell and Owen Townsend, also assistant leaders with 16th and 14th Harrogate Scouts respectively, raised £350 for St Michaels Hospice in Harrogate. The jump was a first for the North Yorkshire Scouts region and possibly for Scouts nationally. Jinnie's comment before she went up was that she "wanted to see the top of the clouds", which she was certainly able to do, and enjoy the "magnificent view" over Lincolnshire.

Owen loved every minute of it, and didn't have a favourite part. "It was all brilliant!" All three tandem students jumped with Skydive Hibaldstow's professional instructors from 15,000 feet - approximately three miles high or the equivalent distance from Knaresborough to Harrogate by road. Quite a few of the Hibaldstow skydiving instructors have been Scouts and in some cases are still Scout Leaders.

All were very enthusiastic about introducing more Explorer Scouts, Network members and Leaders to the sport. The skydive was open to all HANDS Explorer Scouts, Network members and Leaders. Helen Westmancoat hopes that other HANDS and North Yorkshire Scouts will have a go in the future. Static line courses can be set up at Hibaldstow for interested participants.

Helen is happy to be contacted and to assist other District Commissioners and Scouts who might be interested and in a novel and adventurous way of enjoying Scouting